Cleaning efficacy of rotary versus manual system for root canal preparation in primary teeth

Abstract

Introduction Primary teeth are considered natural space maintainers and should be maintained till their exfoliation is chronologically appropriate. The success of endodontic treatment is directly related to the microbial reduction in the root canal system as a result of chemomechanical preparation. Objective This study was carried out to evaluate and compare cleaning efficacy of rotary and manual systems for root canal preparation in primary teeth. Materials and methods Thirty extracted single-rooted human primary teeth were selected. In group I the root canals were instrumented manually with Ni-Ti Flex K-file. Revo-S rotary instruments were used for canal preparation in group II. Irrigation with 1% sodium hypochlorite was done at each file change. Roots were split longitudinally and processed for scanning electron microscope examination. For evaluation of cleaning efficiency two separate scores were used for evaluation of debris and smear layer at three root canal thirds. Results However, both techniques did not achieve complete clean walls, Revo-S rotary system achieved better cleanliness than that obtained by manual instrumentation at all root canal levels. Conclusion Revo-S rotary system might be an alternative method for preparing root canal in primary teeth with better cleaning efficiency.